As we age, we gradually accumulate damage to our DNA. The link between DNA damage and cancer is well established, but there is growing evidence of a contribution to other diseases, including cardiovascular disease and inflammatory disorders. This project aims to accelerate the natural decay of the genome to determine how somatic mutations contribute to ageing and how this triggers disease.
Genetic engineering will be used to manipulate DNA repair pathways. We will stimulate diverse forms of DNA damage and track their influence on clonal expansions and disease risk. Using these models we will study how real-world stresses, like cancer therapy, chronic inflammation or infections modify patterns of clonal selection.
